Inauguration Travel Guide to D.C.

Jan. 16, 2009

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The Mayflower: VIPs also often converge on the historic Mayflower hotel. Its recent claim-to-fame is the rendezvous spot for former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and his call girl, but the week ahead could bring more family-friendly sightings. The Mayflower will welcome stars, including Cyndi Lauper, Melissa Etheridge, Rufus Wainwright and Thelma Houston, among others at Tuesday night's unofficial Human Rights Campaign Equity Ball.
Farragut North. 1127 Connecticut Ave NW (202) 347-4430

We Are One Concert: Perhaps your best bet for star spotting is Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the free "We Are One" concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Among those in the lineup of all lineups rocking the inauguration are Beyonce, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Usher and Garth Brooks, to name just a few.
Lincoln Memorial, Jan. 18.

Creative Coalition Inaugural Ball: The unofficial Tuesday night ball is already sold out at the Harman Center for the Arts, but those lucky enough to attend will be among the stars. Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon, Marcia Cross and Ashley Judd are among many celebs stepping into their gowns for the event. Actors slated to join in include Josh Lucas, Blair Underwood, Adrian Grenier and Spike Lee.

A Solid Start to a Full Day: Breakfast and Brunch

Open City: The popular diner in Woodley Park is staying open 24 hours from Friday through Tuesday with the bar up and running until 4 a.m. Even on a normal weekend, Open City is crowded, but we're guessing if you're in town this weekend you're okay with that. Locals keep coming back for all-day breakfast that includes OC scrambles and the chocolate and peanut butter Washington Carver shake. Sister establishments The Diner and Tryst Coffeehouse are just as popular in Adams Morgan.
Woodley Park. 2331 Calvert St NW, (202) 332-2331

Bourbon: Two words: Chili Mac. The perfect combination will warm you up before trekking downtown or satiate you after these historic days. Brunch at Bourbon begins early at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Because weekly mayhem is typical in Adams Morgan, the neighborhood establishments have agreed not to stay open as late as 4 a.m. other than on Tuesday night. At the restaurant and bar's location in Glover Park, a more mature neighborhood crowd is allowed to stay out late, with closing time at 4 a.m.
Adams Morgan. 2321 18th St. NW, (202) 332-0800
Glover Park. 2348 Wisconsin Ave. NW, (202) 625-7770

Sonoma Wine Bar: Just a few days away from the big weekend, it could be hard getting a reservation Tuesday night at Sonoma but the owners have extended their hours for the inaugural weekend to accommodate the crowd flow. Opening Monday morning at 10 a.m. and Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. for an earlier brunch, Sonoma will be open all afternoon and ready to bend with the needs of a wine-loving crowd. With two flat screens on the second floor and another available at the downstairs bar, if the crowds discourage you from trying to make it to the Mall on Tuesday morning, wine lovers might find this cozy Capitol Hill favorite a good second option.
Capitol Hill. 223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE (202) 544-8088